Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk)
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bamboo Island (Koh Russei) is described as an off-the-grid, secluded beach escape where surfing depends heavily on getting the right swell and wind balance. It’s an exposed sandy beach break with waves that typically break both left and right, and it’s characterized more as gentle, flow-focused surf than a high-performance challenge for advanced riders. Wind-wise, northeast winds are repeatedly identified as the best scenario for offshore/cleaner conditions, though wind reliability is described as inconsistent or low. Providers also frame the spot as most active during the southwest monsoon swell window, when conditions align more consistently for small, soft waves. Safety guidance emphasizes limited support: no lifeguards and no dedicated wind-sports rescue presence, with medical help reachable in Sihanoukville by boat. Hazards noted for the spot include nearby shipwrecks, seasonal jellyfish, and general risks such as sun exposure and rip currents when swell gets larger. Overall, Bamboo Island is positioned as a quiet, uncrowded tropical surf option with warm (27–30°C) clear water year-round. The trip is typically approached as a self-sufficient surf outing—bringing appropriate personal gear and checking monsoon/swell conditions before departure.
- Off-the-grid, secluded surf escape with uncrowded waves
- Warm, clear, shallow water around a sandy beach break
- Northeast winds described as offshore for cleaner conditions
- Beginner-friendly soft, short-ride surfing when conditions are just right
- Exposed sandy beach break with gentle waves suitable for beginner flow-focused surfing
- Warm, clear water (about 27–30°C year-round) and shallow/soft-sand setting
- Low crowding described (off-the-grid feel) with uncrowded waves during typical conditions
- Northeast winds are described as offshore for cleaner surfing conditions
- Surf is very condition-dependent and only works when conditions are just right
- No rescue service dedicated to wind sports and no lifeguards present
- Potential hazards include shipwrecks nearby and seasonal jellyfish
- Waves can become messy/disorganized if swell is excessive due to exposure
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Providers describe a northeast-driven regime with thermal/monsoon-related variation; winds are reported as inconsistent/low reliability at the spot.
- Reliability
- inconsistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — One source also describes gusts as moderate-gusts.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Thermal Window
- Months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar · Regional thermal window is described as a sea-breeze effect in the hottest parts of the day; spot-level sources focus on monsoon-season surf timing rather than thermal specifics.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small, gentle waves; some sources specify about 1.5–2 ft during monsoon.
- Launch
- Small — Small beach access with an easy entry via sandy shores; described as about a short walk after boat landing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round, with peak visitors on weekends.
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible in calmer bays around the island but not presented as an established wingfoil spot. Foil-friendly if minimum depth is sufficient.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
Exposed beach break highly dependent on specific swell/wind balance in the Gulf of Thailand; most consistent during the southwest monsoon with gentle waves breaking both left and right. Works only when conditions are just right.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One source specifies mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Northeast winds are described as offshore and best for cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Not size-holding; can become messy and disorganized with excessive swell due to its exposed nature.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Another source rates wave quality as average; overall described as calm, flow-focused rather than high-performance.
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — One source also describes the wave shape as mushy; both describe short, gentle surf that works only when conditions are just right.
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
- Ride Length Details
- Short rides are typical.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) in the full forecast view.
Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- SE136°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 269 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.3 m3s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.1–0.3 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Shipwrecks nearby
- Jellyfish during certain seasons
- Sun exposure
- Rip currents during large swells
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Multiple sources state no rescue service dedicated to wind sports; rescue may depend on local fishing boats or resort-owned vessels.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Sihanoukville, accessible by boat. National emergency numbers noted regionally: 117 (police) and 119 (medical/ambulance).
Rules of the spot
Secluded, off-the-grid experience; restrictions may apply to certain parts of the island with private resort access.
- Private resort access restrictions may apply to certain parts of the island
- Uncrowded waves; explore nearby shipwrecks
- Bring your own gear as there are no specialized surf or wind sport shops on the island
- Check the monsoon forecast for swell potential before making the trip
- Consider jellyfish and sun protection needs
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sihanoukville
- Nearest Town
- Sihanoukville
- Parking
- Park vehicle at Ochheuteal beach boat departure point (Coasters); alternatively described as parking available at mainland piers in Sihanoukville.
- Access
- 4-hour drive from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then 25–30 minute boat ride from Ochheuteal beach (Coasters), followed by ~10-minute walk to surfable beach.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Khmer
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — More varied options are in Sihanoukville, while luxury resort accommodation is available on the island.
- Food & Drink
- Dining is typically via the island resort/guesthouses.
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized surf or wind sport rental available; some resort facilities may offer SUP/kayaks.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The broader Bamboo Island area is described as a serene, nature-focused archipelago setting within/around Ream National Park, with island-hopping, snorkeling, and warm-water leisure activities.
Protected area featuring mangroves, beaches, and diverse wildlife, accessible by boat from the island area.
Hilltop Buddhist temple in Sihanoukville with panoramic views of the coastline.
Surrounding archipelago (including Koh Ta Kiev) for snorkeling and boat tours.
Upscale dining on the island serving Khmer and international cuisine.
Beach bar atmosphere referenced for cold, low-cost beer.
Secluded archipelago beaches suited for private family day trips and swimming.
Gentle island day trips and light water activities such as snorkelling and beach relaxation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk)?
The best overall months at Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk)?
Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NE.
What skill level is Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) suitable for?
Bamboo Island (Preah Sihanouk) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.